By Ida Davidson
I listen to Dave Ramsey on the radio on my way home in the afternoons. Although I don't agree with everything out of his mouth, nor his delivery method upon occasion, I think he's got great information. I listen because he's smart and because he makes a whole lot of sense. As I listen, I'm struck by one thing that keeps coming up again and again... the idea that the "personal economy" of most families is not changing. The Economy is bad, but aside from injecting fear in most households, almost 90% the country's financial situation has not changed.
In our group of family and friends, this isn't the case. We have friends who are out of work, and have been for a year. We have family members who are unable to find work too. Even within our own walls, the economic situation is grim. So, what do you do when you can't lend a monetary hand to those you love? How can you help without spending cash you don't have?
Here's what I've been doing:
1. Stocking up on everything I can get for free with coupons - Medicines, baby items, foods we don't generally eat... etc. This has come in really handy many times when grocery budgets have been tight for my family members. My brother has been having back problems, so I had 3 bottles of Excedrin Back & Body that I shared with him.
2. Office Tasks - We have a home office with computers, internet, fax, printer, and scanner. I've printed business cards for a friend who is hoping to get the word out about her pet bathing/grooming & general housekeeping business. I can't help by giving her a bunch of referrals, but I can absolutely help her get the tools to market herself.
3. Share money saving tips - As I learn tricks and tips to save money, economize, reuse things, and just plain get more use out of everything, I share what I've learned with those people in my life that I think will benefit from it. (I talk a LOT about what I learn from other finance bloggers... so keep those great articles coming!)
4. Shut Up and Listen - Seriously, just listen. Being a good and supportive friend occasionally means just listening. Let your friend or sister or mom vent a little about how tough it is. Sometimes (often?) people know everything you're getting ready to say. So, just listen and be supportive. It's hard for me to not try to help all the time. I'm working on being a better listener and not trying to fix everything all the time. If you know me in the real world... just remind me to shut up and listen. I won't be offended.
If you like this article, you are invited to visit http://www.3princessesmomma.com and take a look around. Comments are always encouraged, especially if you've got a new spin on an old topic (or a new spin on a new topic, for that matter).
About the Author:
Ida Davidson is the author if http://www.3Princessesmomma.com She's not an expert or professional in the realm of personal finance, just a mom in the trenches, learning and sharing all she can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ida_Davidson
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